GROW THE GREAT PUMPKIN: VALLEY CENTER FARMERS’ MARKET HOSTS PUMPKIN GROWING CONTEST—FREE SEEDS IN APRIL!

April 8, 2009 (Valley Center) - Remember Charlie Brown's quest to grow the Great Pumpkin? Now you can grow your own jumbo-sized jack-o-lantern. The San Diego County Farm Bureau is putting on the first Valley Center Pumpkin Growing Contest at the Valley Center Certified Farmers’ Market. Anyone interested in participating can pick up free pumpkin seeds from the farmers’ market manager, Lorrie Scott, at the Thursday markets during the month of April.

On Thursday, October 22, participants will bring their pumpkins to the market for an official weigh off. There will be awards for a variety of categories including the heaviest pumpkin. Participants must be residents of San Diego County and show proof of residency to participate in the weigh off. Go to the San Diego County Farm Bureau website, www.sdfarmbureau.org, for contest updates and details. You’ll also find good ideas on how to grow a big pumpkin. Whether you’re an avid grower or will be planting your first seed, come to the Valley Center Certified Farmers’ Market during the month of April to get your free seeds and try out your green thumb. The Valley Center Certified Farmers’ Market takes place on Thursdays from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Valley Center Lower Elementary School at 28751 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082.